Our Teachers

Rita Stirparo, RYT, Founder and Director

I was first introduced to yoga in 2001. I felt a calmness in my first class that was unfamiliar yet very soothing. I began a series of weekly classes and noticed how the chatter in my mind would decrease, even if only for the time I was practicing. My body became stronger and my mind, quieter.

My desire to experience the depths of yoga led me to complete my 200 hour teacher training with the Himalayan Institute. I have since completed a YIN Yoga teacher training, Therapeutic Yoga intensive training, Yoga for Cancer Teacher Training and continue to attend various classes and workshops to expand my knowledge and understanding. I am dedicated to the study and practice of yoga and am honored to share my passion with others. My intention for each class is to create a warm and relaxing atmosphere to practice asana, pranayama and meditation, for I agree with the sages that, by focusing attention on the breath, the mind ceases its fluctuations. I encourage students to smile and enjoy each moment on this journey of exploration.

Leanne C. McGrory, RYT

I teach meditative and challenging vinyasa style classes with enough structure to ensure that each student enjoys a well-rounded class, and offer modifications and options so students can make their practice their own. I also teach gentle, restorative, and yin yoga classes.

While I loved my first yoga class and how it made me feel, I did not get serious about yoga until stress began affecting my health and I realized that my coping strategies of wine and whining were not effective. I sought more than just improved physical health, and embarked on the path of yoga in earnest. Yoga offers a way to connect with self and community that is profoundly positive and affirming. Teaching allows me to share the power of mindfulness, the clarity and self-awareness, and the physical benefits I continue to discover through yoga, and gives me a wonderful excuse to pursue my own education. I do still drink wine and whine, but not nearly as often!

I completed my 200 hour teacher training through OM Yoga and have since completed a yin yoga certification and yoga for cancer training, among others. I am a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists. In my free time, if I am not outdoors or reading a book, I am probably at a yoga class, training, or workshop.

Rocio Viscarra, RYT

Rocio first found yoga as part of her healing routine for chronic headaches. After more than 13 years of practice, she enrolled in teacher training and completed her 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Now Yoga in May 2013.

A social worker by trade, Rocio’s caring demeanor and attitude comes through in her teaching style. Rocio fully embraces the mind-body connection in her daily practice as well as in her classes. You can expect a balanced combination of synchronized movements and breathing when you take her classes.

Stephanie Weiner, RYT 200

Yoga has been a part of my life for roughly 10 years and my practice has helped me listen more mindfully to my inner teacher. Through my own practice, I have cultivated strength, flexibility and greater self-awareness. Yoga helps me stay in the present so I can live each moment more mindfully.

In 2017, I completed my 200 hour Vinyasa Flow training with Leela Yoga in Bothell, Wash. I will forever be a student of the practice and I am grateful for the experiences and wisdom my teachers have shared with me.

In my classes, I love to combine creative sequencing, mindful movement and inspirational readings to help students slow down, breathe and look within. In our everyday lives, we are often drawn away from mindfulness. I seek to help students merge breath and movement to reconnect with the wisdom that lies within.